Heavy metals and pesticides residue in commercial fresh vegetables in Sudan, Prof. Mohamed S. Dafaelseed, Prof. Mohammed M. Eltayeb, Dr Amro B. Hassan, Prof. Elfadil E. Babiker

Professor Mohamed S. Dafaelseed
 National Chemical Laboratories
Sudan

Professor Mohammed M. Eltayeb

University of Khartoum
Sudan
Dr Amro B. Hassan
National Center for Research
Sudan
Professor Elfadil E. Babiker
University of Khartoum
Sudan
Abstract/Summary: For assessing daily environmental contamination, five types of fresh vegetables were collected from three different sites in Khartoum State, Sudan roadside farm, roadside market and open market and analysed for heavy metal content and pesticides residues before and after washing. Results showed that for all sites lead concentration was very high for all vegetables and exceeded the maximum level recommended by FAOWHO even after washing. Cadmium concentration for all vegetables greatly reduced after washing. However, for snakemelo the concentration reduced significantly but still above the recommended level. Nickel concentration for all vegetables in all sites below the recommended level. Results also showed that pesticides residue for all vegetables in all sites below the hazard concentration. With increase in vegetable consumption by the community the situation could worsen in the future, therefore, the level of toxic metals should be reduced to minimise the health risk.

Citation: Dafaelseed, M. S., Eltayeb, M. M., Hassan, A. B., Babiker, A. B. and Babiker, E. E. (2007): Heavy metals and pesticides residue in commercial fresh vegetables in Sudan. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): Science,Technology and Sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa, Vol. 1, pp. 347-354. WASD: Brighton, United Kingdom.